Two things about reset_columns()

1) implementation looks buggy. If not table is passed, then the whole $this->columns should be = array() AFAIK. Easy to fix.
2) then, the method itself, I don't know in what situation we are going to use this, apart from all DDL stuff. So, IMO it would be easier to add one param to get_columns($table, $usecache = true). And them with that parameter:

a) if $usecache = true ==> current behaviour (using cache). Normal situation for DML stuff using get_columns()
b) if $usecache = false ==> never use the cache + reset it (for requested table) after execution. And we'd add that second parameter to all the DDL stuff using get_columns().

How does it sound. IMO it's easier that adding reset_columns() here and there. Just one param to control behaviour (cache/no cache).

Ciao