You have some nice suggestions. I've wanted to see a lot of those things, too. I hope they really do update the game, like they said.

Some things on your wish list are already in the game, though. You can remove their glasses.

You can also run with any net (if you have Run With Tools selected in settings). Just equip your net and double-tap on the spot where you want to swing the net. The blue dots should show up, and the mayor should run to the spot you tapped on and swing the net when he or she gets there. You might need to practice a bit to get the hang of it. Also, if the bug you're trying to catch is skittish, it will probably run/fly away when the mayor runs up to it.

I didn't have the same experience as you did with characters of color. I found many characters of various skin tones. I attached a few of them as examples. Maybe you didn't look at enough mayors to see them.