Instead of taping them, why not try the Breathe-Right strips? LOTS of us have had success with those. You make an 'X' with them inside the cone of the ear.
Find a vet experienced in glueing ears- How? Contact a local German Shepherd Dog Club... these guys have SHOWDOGS.. thes will know *the* vet in your area who can help do this correctly and safely.
Other things to do: Glue instead of tape. Get a collossal foam roller, and some of the glue mentioned in the ears-standing threads... and walk your dog. Alot. Lots of walks. What dog can fiddle with the foam roller in his ear when he is busy walking? Yup-- walk that dog the MINUTE you are done inserting it.
Most important: Also, try taking your dog off property.... a LOT. Let him strain to hear and see lots of cool stuff. Who's that doggy walking over there? Is that a baystroller across the park? Does he hear a shopping cart rattling across pavement at the Shop-N-Save? Let him WORKS those ears. Every day. This means-- you will be outside a LOT. An hour at a time, each time, in totally new, busy places. This helps with socialization, too.
Your dog is young enough that the ear CAN still come up! Post pics.. let us see what you are so worried about. Some of us have had dogs have ears stiffen and come up after a year!
Be glad, however, that you got such a strong response from this board against implants. Thankfully, that means nobody here would put a dog through that pain. That means, all the suggestions you will get here will be safe for your dog. Good deal, huh?
6 months is too soon to worry. Your dog has just finished teething. The ears may never come up, but, get busy going to stimulating places that he wants to listen and perk his ears up. Find the vet the show folks love best for ears. Feed a raw diet if at all possible. Good luck! If the ears never come up, you will have a dog with a wonderful, sweet expression. But, at 6 months, I would work that ear at new places.. and not worry. Your dog just finished teething.