Is there a new way to change avatars other than editing my profile and selecting it? Everytime I try to use that method nothing happens, and New Leaf characters aren't available.

(New way of changing as in new to me, I havent been on this site in a few years lol)

Nothing's changed in terms of the selection process. You should be able to click on your avatar and change it that way.

Okay I'll try again and be extra super thorough with it. I hope it works or imma be g r o m p y

i must be going crazy. why did it work perfectly this time aaaaa

Must be like a car magically working when taken to the mechanic. Glad to see it worked. Hopefully it keeps working for you.