[Skidoo]

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That's a stretch, as "aionion" is the Greek word typically used to denote eternity, and the syntax supports that. Unfortunately I'm no strong student of Greek, so going into detail would be difficult. However, the other uses of "aionion" usually referred to ages or extremely long periods of time, so I don't see how the word is consistent with your interpretation.

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What's not to see? The Greek word "aionion" is used to indicate eternity of effect or permanence of result, as in the oblivion of death and the consumption of cremation. The processes that lead to perpetual states do not themselves have to be ongoing ad infinitum. The fire continues for a short while, then a burned state results for eternity.

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Moreover, the phrase "aionas ton aionon" is used to describe hell, and that is much less ambiguous.

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Citations, please. I'm glad to address the specifics you have in mind.

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In terms of the reference to Sodom and Gomorrah, in context I think it is clear that the object is the people of the cities, although the cities themselves are specified in the syntax. The fact that a "punishment" for Sodom and Gomorrah is referenced seems to indicate this - were the physical cities punished, or the nations of people?

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As you say, the cities themselves are specified. The punishment was collective and citywide, as was the means: fire, thus precluding "eternal" as the translation most suitable to the original meaning.