There is an old joke/story about using air/speed/spoilers for descent.
An airliner was given a descent that would require a more than standard rate of descent under normal conditions, because the controller gave the descent later than he should.
The airliner replied that they could not make the descent as quickly and the controller requested.
The controller replied; "Well you have speed brakes, use them."
The captain of the aircraft replied; "I use the speed brakes when I make a mistake, not when you do."
Hope that helps you understand the use of speed/air/spoilers by a pilot.
Now in truth, I used them all the time for all sorts of various reasons.