When the hoses fail internally the pressure you apply works it's way between the hose lining and the rubber outer. Now when you apply the brakes the pressure effectively collapses the inner hose preventing the fluid from reaching the calipers. You won't be able to see any sign of failure from the outside in many cases.

Silicone fluid is bad, bad news for daily drivers - I would not use it. It is not compatible with ABS systems, must be handled very carefully to avoid air bubbles, and the moisture which makes its way into the system will bead as droplets and collect at the low points of the system which then corrode. It also doesn't mix with regular fluid. It's typically used in track applications where the systems are regularly serviced and the high boiling point is important.

There's no need for anything fancy or tricky where brakes are concerned, just use any DOT 3 or 4 fluid and replace it every 12 to 24 months.

Kevin

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'85 300SD