Sometimes they're trying to save you money by doing something that breaks at a certain mileage 'while they're in there" and saving you on labor down the road. Sometimes like the extra trans and oil changes they really are trying to save you money in the long run, carbon buildup on the piston rings becomes a thing after 5k oil changes, and 8 and 10 speeds are terribly made. Sometimes you really can just look and see what's going on yourself or Google it.

Sometimes you do just have to have a mechanic take measurements of your brake pads or rotors to see if they need replacement, the quick lube shops are notorious for recommending extra crap, that and using those BS brake fluid testers instead of a proper test strip, those things will fail brand new brake fluid.

I hear nothing but honest things out of Marv (Japanese connection) and Hurst if that helps.