Well that went...fine. Discussed the position I want, that it may be seen as too big a jump, discussed a compromise of the smaller promotion, discussed general reluctance of my being promoted from higher-ups (did not meet soft goal for year--which is true, but which also was very high). Am not super optimistic at anything at all happening but voiced that it's very important to me that there's a path for me to move forward and be promoted/given more responsibility. Am going to sit tonight until a decision to list the new open position is made, and then will approach the internal people responsible after running my approach past my current boss.
I feel discouraged but will try to push harder on my personal projects while still applying elsewhere. Worst case scenario, I get a raise, reconsideration next year, and keep chugging away with some nice work trips in there as a benefit. I know that's not actually terrible but still don't love feeling unvalued/unseen by the higher ups. Sigh!