Release Date on SketchUp Instances?

yes, one.

the “send to layout” button and menu only works if both layout and the folder haven’t changed names. I don’t use it so I’m fine changing the names. I think that only changing SU (not LO) is fine too.

you can also simply make a new icon. Mine are quite discrete, I’ve seen someone simply do a white square with 25 or 26 in blue on it. he knows it’s his SU versions.
you just have to re update your icons on every SU updates, but they aren’t that frequent in the first place.