I have been using one of the newer types of grease instead of the white grease. It has been working great for several years on some cars I have. It is made by Lucas Oil Products, Inc. called Red "N" Tacky #2. It has an anti-seize added to it. I have used this on manual windows, power windows, wiper motor gear boxes, door latches, steering column tilt, shifter, parking brake anything that needs a little lube. There is no need to put gobs of it on nothing there to move it into the contact points it will just gather dirt.
On the silicone I would never put anything with silicone on a car. If you ever go to paint it silicone is your biggest enemy and very small PPM will cause fish eyes in the paint. Most of the interior dressings like Armor-all have it and should not be used. Automotive assembly plants have bans on any silicone based lubes or sealers.
David