Matt, I was in your same situation not long ago. I was playing with a clarinet embouchure for seven years until recently when I learned the 'ooo' embouchure; here's how it works. Form your lips like you're saying 'ooo' then put the mouthpiece on that. It'll feel weird at first and you might have the urge to pull back on your lower lip a bit. Do whatever works just make sure you don't curl your bottom lip on your bottom teeth like a clarinet player does. That new embouchure might make you go somewhat flat, just adjust now. You might also some burning in your muscles in your face, but that's a good thing because you're now working the 'chops' that you'll need later down the road for metal pieces etc. IMO, the 3.5 reeds might be too much, but if you can pop out them altissimo notes easier with it, then go for it. Your Meyer sounds like a good mouthpiece. Remember, it's whatever you're comfortable with. Well have fun with the altissimo exercises! After months of trying to figure them out I can now hit an altissimo G on my alto consistently. And what's cool is; it must be wrong but the G growls on it's own!