My Nero came bundled with a CD/DVD player, and isn't limited. I use it a lot, as I like it a lot.
However, it does seem to hijack .WAV files that are loaded into the computer, making them WAVE files (I'm digitising my LPs) and I'd like to stop that happening.
So, EBarnacle isn't alone in looking for a substitute, but the thread is sinking without a lifebelt.