The hard reset does work but can be very fidely. Make sure you count 5 seconds at least on the on state before turning back off. Then count 2 seconds, turn back on.
Do this 5 times finishing on the 5th on.
So:
On = 5 sec
Off = 2 sec
On = 5 sec
Off = 2 sec
On = 5 sec
Off = 2 sec
On = 5 sec
Off = 2 sec
Final On
If successful it will flash for about 5 seconds.
I would also count the seconds like real seconds… so slowly. One mississippi…etc.
Ive done it many times now despite having remotes because i am too lazy to walk across to the other side of the room to go get it lol
To answer your other question innr are fine, but i have had more bulbs die from them than any of my philips hue. White colors arent quite as good imo (HA reports kelvin range being better, but looks worse to the eye imo). They dont seem to support transitions, so no fading from off to on just straight jaring on. The HA transitions in the light.turn_on service work still though.
Ive found no good (cheap) alternative. I hear good things about nano leaf bulbs though, havent tried them yet… due to expense as well.