Can I assume that flight spoilers are activated automatically, as I often see them operate during turns, even very shortly after TO when we can't be much more than 1000 feet up?
Yes, since the early days of the B707.
Roll Augmentation, with most jet aircraft, flaps retracted or extended...except for the L1011, with this aircraft spoiler roll augmentation is applicable with flaps extended only. With flaps fully retracted on the L1011, both inboard and outboard ailerons are active, no spoiler roll augmentation.