Update (finally): so it wasn't leaking because there was no pressure - the power steering widgit (see above) was installed backwards.
It was still leaking all over once rectified. So I parked the car and left it till June this year to pull out again.
In the interim, I ordered these two parts:
RUS-670521
Fitting, Straight, AN Flare to Metric, Aluminum, -6 AN to 14mm x 1.5 Male, Each
(Mfr. #: 670521)
and
EAR-961955ERL
Fitting, Adapter, AN Flare to Metric, -6 AN to 16mm x 1.5 Male, Steel, Zinc Plated, Each
(Mfr. #: 961955ERL)
I thought perhaps the steel would be a much better suit for the application - but knew I had to be careful because steel threads aren't as soft as aluminum - when I pulled the aluminum fittings out, they were stripped (good news, means the rack's ok). I installed the new fittings into the rack and pump respectivly, then reinstalled the hose - tight, but never once did I give it the "oooh, 1/4 more of a turn won't hurt" - that's what screwed me last time. Crush washers were reused.
Car didn't leak a drop. Minty. Took a long ass time, but it's done now.