Doesn't matter, either way is fine :) Since Silver Appleyards are a large duck, just to make it easy on the hens I'd probably do it with a Runner drake over the larger SA girls, and not the other way around.
Yes, totally achievable in a couple years. The Runner type might not be the best, yet...
Yep, that is definitely the silver appleyard color on a Runner duck :)
No idea if that color is in the US, but with some work you could make it happen. Personally the way I'd do it is cross a Silver Appleyard with a grey Runner. Then I'd breed those offspring together. Then, you'll have ducks...