Auk,
That's a SWAG without the S part. No way moving a brake component with the hose attached would cause something to leak/suck air. If a hose/seal were that badly rotted, it would have gushed every drop of brake fluid out a long time ago.
DougM
I also favor the "jammed piston" scenario if the brake cleaner doesn't change things. You'll need to really wash them down as well as see if you can rinse the pads.
DougM