Converted all my cars but 2 w/ ABS to silicone. The Newport was ~1990's and not a spot of internal rust since. Much mis-info here. Post #4 relates the long-standing myth spouted by every counterman that bad things happen if silicone touches glycol. Search for a web article by an engineer who tested this and found it absurd. Post #14 questions performance. DOT 5 officially refers to a higher performance standard, not to silicone fluid. Only recently could any glycol fluids meet it. DOT required they label it "5.1" to not confuse with silicone, since it still has the bad properties of moisture absorption and paint removal. Also, I think many performance motorcycles come w/ DOT 5 (silicone).
The OP wonders if silicone is worse for seals. Unlikely, since some 1950's British cars required silicone since glycol damaged their seals. No idea why you have leaks. I wonder if the wheel cylinders and calipers rusted internally while sitting on the shelf. Rust is the most likely thing to cause seal leaks.
No dissenters mentioned the oft-stated "if water drips into your reservoir, silicone won't absorb it so it will sit at the bottom and cause rust". Wouldn't that be the same issue for your power steering fluid or transmission? Don't let water drip into any of them.
Many, who have never used it, claim silicone gives a spongy pedal. I never noticed that. Do pour it carefully down the side of a funnel so you don't entrain air bubbles or you could have that problem. If you drop the bottle, allow a day for the air bubbles to settle out. Don't fret when you see it turn amber later. The blue dye just fades.
