I wasn't asking if my method for changing brake fluid works - I was telling how I do it and I KNOW that it works. It's a closed fluid system - open it at both ends and the fluid is going to drain out of the lower end - it will act as a syphon. As long as you don't touch the brake pedal and you keep the master filled with fluid, no air will get in it at all. This method also works well for bleeding a new brake line although sometimes air will get trapped in a junction or proportioning valve.

As for the bleeding of the brakes in the Escape, I read somewhere that you need special equipment to bleed the system. The procedure you mention is for changing of brake pads. I don't think that addresses opening the hydraulics.