I mean can Power Cosmic, and Quintessence opt to take the push (i know will power can, but this isn't will-power)...i was stuck on that horrendous #5 click on Ganthet's this weekend in a friendly game.

I'm pretty sure i can because aren't all TAs optional? in that is true, and i do turn it off, when does is it considered to be reactivated for purposes of outwit?

You can cancel any TA and it comes back at the end of the turn... so yes, you could cancel the TA and opt to take pushing damage.

hair10 is correct.

...I wonder if we're going to see nbperp continue that tradition of yours, #10.