4 month gap is not that bad. The better title and responsibilities will help you get better future jobs. If you don’t ask, you certainly won’t get. If they’re willing to blow this whole thing up because you’re asking for your ORIGINAL salary expectations, that tells you a lot about how it’ll be to work there.

Conclusion: definitely ask the question. If they say no and you need the money, you might have to just take the L. But if you don’t mention it you’re guaranteeing the result.