How can delaying prayer from its appointed time be understood in light of the Prophet's (PBUH) saying, "No, as long as they establish prayer"?

It is mentioned in Sahih Muslim that the Companions sought permission to fight the imams (leaders) who alter and change [the religion], as long as the imam establishes prayer. Nevertheless, the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade fighting them as long as they establish prayer. He (peace be upon him) also informed about imams who delay the prayer beyond its time, and he commanded the Companions to pray at its proper time and consider their prayer with [the imams] as supererogatory. The imams referred to here are the rulers. The meaning of delaying prayer beyond its time in the hadith is delaying it beyond its preferred time, not beyond all of its time. Thus, the difference between establishing prayer and delaying it becomes clear, as the intent of not establishing it is not performing it at all.