How do we distinguish between the opinion and non-binding ijtihad of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and what is binding, in the absence of an explicit verbal indication in the hadith?

The aforementioned principle is not entirely correct. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would exercise ijtihad (independent reasoning) in matters of worldly affairs and livelihood, but not in matters of religion and conveying the message. Regarding the pollination of palm trees, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "I am but a human being. If I command you with something pertaining to your religion, then adhere to it. But if I command you with something based on my opinion, then I am only a human being," and "You know best the affairs of your world." A distinction must be made between worldly matters and the management of their affairs, and matters of religion and conveying the message from Allah Almighty. The scholars have reached a consensus that it is permissible for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to exercise ijtihad concerning worldly interests. However, regarding legal and religious rulings, he is not upheld upon error, and if he exercised ijtihad and it did not conform to Allah's حكم (judgment), revelation would descend clarifying the correct view. Everything authentically reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, regarding ijtihad that was affirmed by revelation is pure truth that must be followed.