Even with self adjusters, they have to at least be close starting out to get a good pedal. Also, relying on the self adjusters to bring it up with new friction installed will take a rather extended time to accomplish. As far as sprying the friction material, it's virtually impossible to put o new shoes without getting some dirt/fingerprints on them. Spraying them with brake cleaner will not hurt them. Most brake cleaners are not much more than alcohol anyway.
