I've been a "light tamper", followed by a light tap with the handle of the Tamper, then the tamp proper for more than a decade now... Never caused me a problem. Appreciate why people recommend that you don't do this but it probably has more to do with the adoption of a common technique for a workforce, to avoid too much variation... So long as you're aware of the potential pitfalls, I can't see the problem. 
Mal.

Mal.

)
Don't do that mate. Grind a touch coarser, roast a touch lighter (or buy slightly ligther roasted beans) and keep experimenting. I've got some quite decent espresso gear, but start every day with an O'Speedwagon (that's an Aeropress strong long black with a bit of heated milk). When you get the Aero right it's unreal.
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