Let's just agree to disagree then. But i'll still answer the argument, from my point of view.
Since The Prophet's ''progeny'' is not right here or directly in contact with us, the only way we know about them is through hadiths and historical records.
The claim you make here, ''ONLY'' from them, is not backed by any of the evidence provided. The hadith you yourself posted maintained that the Book of Allah is one of the two 'precious things' - there is no evidence to support the idea that only an Imam is capable of interpreting it.
'Scholars' isn't the best translation for 'ahlul zikr'. Even if it was, it says 'If you do not know'
in reference to something else but since we're taking things out of context anyways we can easily infer that it implies 'if you don't know and can't find it in the Quran or sunnah yourself'
There is absolutely nothing in those verses to back the statement that Imams are 'divinely guided'.
In ayah 71 of Surah al Sajdah, (17:71), the word 'Imams' can be translated in many ways - but even if we are to take your translation of it being the Imams we know of today, there is no way that this verse proves they have divine guidance because it is talking about something else entirely - the day of judgement.
The rest of the verse says:
''..those who are given their record in their right hand will read it (with pleasure), and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least.''
And if both the literal/literary and the historical contexts are taken into account, it is clear that this verse does not, in any way, support the Shia interpretation.
You are quoting this verse completely out of context - it was referring to the Bani Israel, and it is in the past tense i.e a narration of historical events.
Just read the context of it:
''And certainly We gave the Book to Musa, so be not in doubt concerning the receiving of it, and We made it a guide for the children of Israel''. [Quran 32:23]
''And We made of them Imams to guide by Our command when they were patient, and they were certain of Our communications''. [Quran 32:24]
''Surely your Lord will judge between them on the day of resurrection concerning that wherein they differ.'' [Quran 32:25]
It has nothing to do with modern Muslims. And looking at the next few verses, it becomes clear that the Bani Israel and those 'Imams' eventually strayed from Allah's path - not something we want to do, now is it?
Surat As-Sajdah [32:18-30] - The Noble Qur'an - القرآن الكريم
In a very different context - not referring to today's Shias, so I'm not sure what you're trying to imply here.
''O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.'' [Quran 4:59]
Again, context - this one is clearly referring to the Muhajireen and Ansar and the migration from Makkah to Madinah, this verse especially is directed at those who did not migrate.
Surat At-Tawbah [9:116-122] - The Noble Qur'an - القرآن الكريم
''
It was not becoming of the people of Al-Madinah and the bedouins of the neighbourhood to remain behind Allah's Messenger (Muhammad SAW when fighting in Allah's Cause)
and (it was not becoming of them) to prefer their own lives to his life.....'' [Quran 9:120]
Every community was sent a prophet - a 'guide' does not refer to Imams, but to prophets. The verse even begins with 'O prophet' in brackets, meaning it is addressed to the Prophet. And that too is proven if you look at its context.
But you are right, this is off topic and religious discussions are not allowed anyways.
Well, ''To you your beliefs and to me mine''
