I'm trying to find a name that is pleasing to others, more than my current name of Pearce, which is too harsh?

I think you should leave your name as it is. It just seems disrespectful to change your name. Instead, why don't you just use your middle name and from now on introduce yourself as Charles, only include your first name in your signature on legal doents. OR, you could just use a "P. Charles...." as your signature. This way you can save your identity. For the people who know you as Pearce, ask them to refer to you as Charles from now on. By the way, I like the name Pearce.