Superscripts
I've been trying to make superscript numbers through the special characters table, which is available across all applications. My OS version is 10.8.4. The table contains a full set of both sub- and superscript numbers. When inside a specific application such as the ones mentioned above, the methods you mention can be used, of course, but when writing in online forums of various kinds, the special characters table is more convenient. In editors that have different fonts, such as this one, you can choose a font where the raised 1, 2 and 3 aren't different, but many of the more popular forums don't give you a choice of font.
Curiously, it seems both Mac and Windows users see them okay, they only look different on my side. So maybe I shouldn't worry. It is a little annoying, though.