Does any one have an effective way of covering a whole tier (6 inch round)
with multiple size pearls. I tried pressing them into the side of the cake (handfuls over a bowl)painted the side with sugar glue, but it left too many open spaces and they rolled down the sides. Any ideas and help would be appreciated. I am glad it's just a 6 inch cake!

Piping gel maybe?

I am thinking this might be a long and tedious thing to do.

tedious is right. I'd say start the way you did then fill in the gaps.
maybe do a thin coat of royal icing or piping gel like texas sugar suggested

Thanks.