in/into

Yes, I agree, use "into".

The distinction between employing "to" and "into" in cases like these is getting pretty blurred nowadays, as I think you perceive.

I would use "into" when the change is one of transformation:-

A witch might change you into a frog.

Panic can change a drama into a crisis.

You can't change a sow's ear into a silk purse.

I would use "to" when the change is one of substitution:-

John had misspelt the word "teacher". His teacher told him to change the second 'e' to an 'a'.

When the season changes from summer to autumn, the leaves fall from the trees.

Many thanks, Contrex.