I think the the CAA's definition of a cross country flight is one which goes more than 3nm from the airfield, which, given the size of circuits a some airfield (due to noise abatement needs), means the a circuit may count as a cross country
. I don't think that there's any specific requirement to land away for a flight to count as a cross country (except on the QXC).
So, your wanderings in the local area almost certainly count as cross countrys.
I wonder if theose who were expressing concern about your 'lack of cross country experience' were assuming that all you were flying is circuits.
Your revalidated licence will run for two years form the expiry of your old licence, irrespective of when in the last year you do the hour with an instructor. Remember that you
MUST also complete the paper work, get it signed by an examiner, and sent to the CAA
BEFORE you licence expires - oethrwise you haven't met the requirements, and your licence will be invalid. You'll then have to renew it.
Brooklands