It adds 3 and subtracts 1 instead of adding just 1

First of all I completely agree with batfink, I've never heard anyone suggesting to use useless code in order to "help the compiler".

Then, DEFINITELY YES, the reset logic is always the best way to initialize registers at some starting values. And try also to be sure that, form a hardware point of view, the logic is reset during the board power-up (using a simple RC circuit or some safer reset ICs which you can find in the market).