Yes, it can be done. Our blind does go behind the outdoor unit, but not all the way down. The tube that connects the 2 units is not so easy to handle. In any case, it's good air conditioning.
Yes, that's quite possible, it's even designed for it. The only thing is that the connecting hose and the mounting bracket need some space, so that the blind will rest on it if it has so far gone all the way to the window sill