I expect one could substitute wooden clothespins for paper clips- with the caveat that you would have to press around them and slide them into place after having pressed the spot next... All of this sounds laborious, but much less so than basting.

Jordan, you have my sympathies- that feeling that something STILL isn't right, even when others no longer see the flaw- it's a terrible nagging feeling. But I do think you should give it a go with some kind of clips, metal, wood or otherwise. Or maybe try both methods- basting and clipping- on different pleats and see which gives better results and requires less effort.

In the end, the knowledge that you gave it a try is probably as comforting as anything else. Do let us know.