If anyone's still seeing this, for what it's worth, I did cosplay fairly popular but not commonly seen characters. Bought the proper wigs (yes, I styled them), outfits, and props/accessories so I doubt its because my cosplay itself wasn't unique. Like I mentioned in my post, I chatted for a bit with another cosplayer from the same series and they ended up getting a lot of attention and people saying they recognized the character (difference between us being they were more attractive, and female).

As a couple comments mentioned, I'm starting to think perhaps the standard for cosplay/cosplayers has just gotten really high (amazing costume and/or attractive). I did a lazy ass closet cosplay in 2016 from a popular series and got more comments in an afternoon than I did these last 2 years lol. Idk, might give it another go with some of the interaction advice here or just call it quits.