yes, i am capable of reading what the owner's manual says. at this time, my system has no leaks, and i would very much like to keep it that way. i also desperately need to change the fluid and filter sooner than later.
the confusion lies in my previous statement:
"every thread about this topic ends up in nothing but an argument about ATF versus "power steering fluid" with no definitive answer"
if this were such a cut and dry issue, there wouldn't be so many threads, with such strong opinions on both sides, about using ATF versus PS fluid. there is considerable debate and rather informed discussion from both sides of the fence, particularly in older threads where Type F is discussed, and reformulation of ATF versus what ATF was back in the 80's (or earlier).
i get the general impression that it is a hit or miss proposition to put either one in the system, because either one can or can not contribute to leaking.
if current versions of ATF were the ONLY thing to put in, then there should be a more of a "don't use PS fluid" sentiment, and vise versa.
i just called a couple local parts supply places to try to find the Mobil ATF 200, as specified by the previously posted MB spec link. nobody, not even the Mobil distributor, knew what i was asking for.
i think i might just take the advice posted in a previous argumentative thread about which fluid to use, and just go to the MB dealer and buy whatever the parts guy wants to sell me for this application from them.

some more light reading on this subject, just from the Diesel section.
What Power Steering Fluid are you running on your older MB?
What's the Best Power Steering Fluid?
Power Steering Flush Fluid?
Power Steering Fluid/ATF Question
atf or power steering fluid?
Power Steering Fluid--Need to Be Replaced?