I keeps being brought up that bioballs are too fast at producing nitrates...Would you rather ammonia and nitrite hang around longer?

Personally I would rather keep them at zero and deal with the nitrates.

I guess my point with this was maybe would should stress more to newcomers to the saltwater/nano tank deal that waste removal and nitrate control (protein skimmers/macro algae) are more important than what biological filtration you have.

Bottom line is if you have live rock rubble, sponge, bioballs, or whatever else you choose it will slow water flow. Thus, accumulating waste. Additionally, nitrates will be produced. It is your job to remove them since it is very difficult to utilize anaerobic denitrification.