[Icemaster]

Revisit your reasons for leaving in the first place, has anything changed? If not, you have your answer. If yes, what are the odds the changes will result in a change to your job satisfaction?

Reality is, in this world, the best way to move up and increase both responsibility and compensation is move around, unless you've got a boss that will have that as a priority. It reads to me like your boss DOES see your potential and current value, unless of course they knew you were looking around and took some early pre-emptive steps.

Doesn't sound like you're in the same area as me, but definitely in the same practice (program/project management). I'd be happy to talk 1-1 on it if you'd like, feel free to PM me.