Few cents from my side:
I tried ESP32-C3 BLE with Arduino libraries (both BLE Device & Nimble). What I can say for sure is that I always was able to see the device advertising. Sometimes there was an issue pairing with the chip (I’ve only tried Windows PC), because Windows not always was able to pop-up the window to enter the security code (as I’ve incorporated some BLE security - authorization). But other than that no issues with the chip.
It is indeed possible to flush the paired/bonded devices list. Unfortunately, can’t tell for sure what is the command now, as it was long time ago.
Few remarks: Nimble is a lightweight library, so If you want to save some space on the device, I would suggest it.
I second PJ, EPS32-C3 is not a battery friendly chip, but if you don’t experience shortage on battery for your particular needs, I wouldn’t bother moving to another chip, like nrf52840. Especially, if it is just a hobby project. However, with the nrf52840 the consumption is 10 times less.