That would be a way to “reset” sure, but what if I don’t want to lose the people I’m following/who are following me? Wouldn’t it be simpler to just be able to verify that the relays are doing what they say they are doing? 

 No, that's how you check. 
If it is so, you can run your own relay. But more than likely a paid relay in another jurisdiction would suffice.  

 Sorry I misread. I will try that thank you!