How does one respond to those who prioritize manners over commands, and violate the Sunnah with the intention of showing deference to Allah and His Messenger, citing the action of Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, when he withdrew from leading the prayer?

Al-Hafiz, in Fath al-Bari, addressed Abu Bakr al-Siddiq's divergence from the Prophet's command by stating that one who is honored with an honor may choose between acceptance and rejection if they understand that the command is not obligatory. Abu Bakr understood that the Prophet's intention in making him imam was to honor him. So, he chose the path of ادب (propriety) and humility. He also considered the possibility that revelation might descend to change a ruling concerning prayer. Therefore, the Prophet did not follow up on his apology.