I think what this points out, which may be counter-intuitive, is that if there is sufficient complexity in the project that has driven it to be late, there is likely hidden complexity that will push it even further.
Complexity grows exponentially (a graph of inter-relationships) and so even cutting a feature isn't enough to curb the ballooning complexity of an over-scoped or poorly estimated project.
This is why features get cut and crunch is a thing. There are only so many ways to prevent the finish line from falling off the horizon.