This is simply incorrect.
The air suspension won't work with the relay removed.
It inhibits all operations, including dropping you onto the bumpstops.
My RR will go up to wading height sometimes, usually a press of the down button corrects it,
However sometimes it will hard fault and attempt to lower itself onto the stops.
If you quickly pop a door open before it drops( it wont drop onto the stops with a door open), you can then pull over, remove the timer relay, and at least get home on the suspension. Not a pretty solution, but better than a ride on the bumpstops.
Also if like the OP you suspect the bags may be leaking, you can remove the relay overnight, this will inhibit all suspension operations, and if the car has lowered then you have a leak.