personable small fish wanted

I have no experience with the fish you're suggesting as tankmates (I'm a tetra person myself), but I have always been happy with cories as terrific members of a community tank.

They come in many different varieties and sizes - and one thing they are not is shy! Mine scoot around the tank all day, and often play with the other fish as well as each other.

All other bottom feeders I've ever had (loaches, otos, and plecos) were pretty shy and/or nocturnal.

Yep, small group of cories is probably the best bet. Avoid the large varieties, like bronzes. Stick to the pandas, skunks, albinos.

Or the pygmies. They are so small and cute! They also seem to like nibbleing on algea on the leaves of plants.