You would not be the first to change a sticking or stuck caliper out before checking the flex hose for problems first. Always make a habit to just loosen the flex hose at the caliper before unbolting the caliper if it is suspect.
Applies to american cars as well.
Remember nothing is lost as you will have to remove the flex hose connection to change the caliper out anyways. On an old caliper it is just sometimes easier than fighting with a rusty bleeder if you have no heat. Plus you might loose the bleeder screw and still find you had a bad flex hose. You then might have created a double header for yourself. I did it once myself but never again.