The ability to add avatars is available via your user control panel.

Please follow the steps below:
  1. Click "User Control Panel" in the upper right hand corner.
  2. Click "JV Forum Specific Settings"
  3. Click Edit Avatar on left hand side (below "Edit Profile Picture")
  4. Click Use Custom Avatar
  5. Upload photo or enter url.
  6. Click Save Changes

Let me know if this works for you. As for the other stuff, i'll make sure to check it out asap.

- Mike Jr.