Compacting gravel without a vibrating plate

Granite stones with a size of 10 x 25 x 100 centimeters

I consider the risk that frost will cause "real damage" to be small because the stairs – as described – will be a solid block and will only move as a whole (I believe).

In "my" hardware store, granite stones measuring 10 x 25 x 100 centimeters are called "steles."

I will lay them flat as the treads of the steps and - to achieve a sensible step height - support them somewhat from below.
The "interior" of the staircase will be filled with concrete paving stones.
This staircase will then be in front of the approximately 80 cm high terrace. So far, there are a few Ytong stones there ... that also works, just not as nice.
If I understand it correctly, the method with gravel as a base is meant to prevent rainwater from collecting between the solid stone and the dense soil - which could shift the structure when freezing.
If you want to do it "properly," there is a continuous foundation under such a "structure" that no longer freezes or shifts at 80 centimeters depth.
For me - at least until now - that is too much work.
I consider the risk that frost will cause "real damage" to be low because the staircase - as described - will be a cohesive block and will only move as a whole (I think).

While I’m writing about it now, I weigh up whether the effort:
a. ordering gravel, moving it down at the house, digging a pit for it, filling it, leveling it off and somehow compacting it
is significantly different from the second option:
b. digging three 1-meter deep holes, filling a few buckets of gravel, placing foundation stones in them, and building the staircase on top

Well, good that we’re talking about it :)