Comment by agentultra

As they say, it's all about how your manager perceives you. Once they've formed an impression of you it's hard to shake it. And that impression influences your performance review regardless of how they try to present the numbers.

It also doesn't help that most companies don't consider anyone for promotion who isn't doing more than what they're obligated to under the terms of their contract. If they pay you $20 for your services and you're not doing the work of someone who makes $40 for the services they provide, you don't get promoted. "Meets expectations," isn't enough.