If you have not done this already, what about going to your manager himself instead of going above him? I like the idea of using non-personal statements like you mentioned, not sounding accusing but just ask for what you need/want 'to do a better job for the company', blah, blah. You might start small and not a big laundry list of requests. Just thinking out loud ... we all need to feel a part of the organization and ultimately, also appreciated!