It's not just experienced/inexperienced dancers who want different speeds.
It depends on the style of dance too.
American contras and squares are done to a light smooth walk (not a plod) so a fast tune is needed. Most of the ceilidh/barn dances I learnt 30 years ago were done to a walking step or a rant. Dancing to Ramsbottom took some getting used to until we discovered that you had to galumph around.

No use playing to slow for a room full of pensioners, the knees and hips are not up to staying off the ground too long.