First off, I agree with mechanics being idiots, however, it always seems that they try to screw me and I just cannot even believe some of the bullshit they try to passoff. Anyways, the thread says "Brakes Spongy" so I will address that one now. Try and bleed your brake lines(should be little bleeder screws near the calipers) if not, you have the manual, it explains how to do it in there. If that doesn't fix it, check the brake fluid. The problem I had with my old cavalier, well '01, was that the BACK brakes needed to be done, but it was extremely spongy till I did them. It would even kick on the ABS at random times, like if I hit my brakes over a bump, whereas it never did that kind of crap before. So, check the back brakes too. Check for uneven wear on the pads; if one pad is near new condition and the other is down to the metal, either have your rotors resurfaced or buy new ones. After you change any brakes, makes sure to pump the pedal hard and several times before driving anywhere so that it restores the correct pressure in the line so that when you go to brake the first time after changing them, the pedal doesn't just go to the floor. If this all doesn't help, get semi-metallic brake pads, check to make sure that the calipers are well oiled(they sell oil for them and brake cleaner at autozone or o'reily's), and consider dropping around $40 per wheel on some cheap slotted, vented, cross drilled rotors(summitracing.com or ebay). If nothing else, you will stop when you want to, even if it doesn't completely clear up the spongy feeling. Hope this helps.
The Freak