If the imams had such powers than why did some of them spend their lives in taqqiyah (such as Jafar as siddiq)? Why did others lose to other men who had no special powers?
Hey it's not our fault the imams failed to teach shiaism to the people properly. Dudes apparently had super powers but still let sunni rulers overpower them for no reason whatsoever. Blame your imams for us not being able to accept what you accept. Or maybe your imams were actually normal good Muslims and your shia predecessors ascribed lies to them... Hmmm I wonder what's more likely.
"If the imams had such powers than why did some of them spend their lives in taqqiyah (such as Jafar as siddiq)?"
First of all you need to learn and understand what taqqiyah is. The Imams duty and job was to protect and defend the message. And it is not necessary that to protect and defend always had to be through might, aggression and via the sword or bullet or through push and shove. The Imams duty and job is also to be a role model for the average and common person as well as Muslim. You don't deal with every situation and face every condition with the same stance and have the same response. Circumstances need to be considered.
"Why did others lose to other men who had no special powers?"
It's not about winning and losing or about might and power. It's about having might and power and still be able to handle and deal with situations and conditions in the right and civil way. This is the test and where greatness lies. You don't understand. That's fine. I'll make you understand. No problem.