Is evading the imamate in prayer considered a violation of the Sunnah, or is it an act of the imams?

You should not abstain from leading the prayer if you are the most knowledgeable in recitation and the most deserving of it. Doing so goes against the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who commanded that the one most knowledgeable in recitation should lead. It also entails missing out on a great reward and allowing an unqualified person to lead. Imamate is an honorable position that requires qualified individuals, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded that the one most knowledgeable of the Book of Allah should lead. Moreover, abandoning honorable positions due to fear of responsibility, when one is qualified for them, leads to chaos and the squandering of trusts. Therefore, it is advisable to lead the people in prayer while striving against one's own self to achieve sincerity and not to pay attention to people's praise.