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I'd tend to believe that Silver Maple is a regional item that depends on where you live. From what I recall, they are more of a wet, weaker maple than the rest. If this is true, then they'd burn at a lower temperature and probably would be sweeter. Perhaps someone with more knowledge could confirm or shoot this theory down.
The easy and short answer is yes you can use it for smoking meat. I have before and it's a smooth and light tasting wood. Maybe good on fish or anything that you don't want a heavy smoke flavor.
Glad I found this because I was about to ask the same question! We have one in the back yard that the last five years have not been nice to. Used to be a nice tree, but the wood is very soft, and high wind and heavy snow have left it in pieces. I guess I know where to get my wood when I run out again!