Nero isn't bloated if you install only the Burning Rom and uncheck everything else, like I do. It also has full control of burning speed and even can be set to tell you the actual burning speed it is currently working at. (It goes all different speeds, regardless of it's initial setting, as does all software.)
That being said, Imgburn is a great alternative for sure, too.
Another common fallacy is that burning at slower speeds is better. It is untrue because drives actually burn better at their designed, intended max speed. Analysis of the discs easily prove this to be true, to anyone concerned.