But it still stacks with metamagic heighten for effective spell level right? Not for CL but ESL yes. Meaning you can get an effective spell +2 levels so you can mimic a spell at + 1 spell level.
Example a scm can use a earth spelled mmsf silent image to cast an effective 7th level spell slot which gains a level from earth spell and an increase in CL of +6 (meaning he can mimic a spell of 7th level or lower with a 6th level slot 3 times a day at 11th level).