You didn't even have to file a response but it still would have went forward anyway so at least you're on record as disagreeing.
I was speaking generally when I said "propose a settlement" as in if he were trying to start divvying up anything, if applicable. At any rate, he shouldn't talk to you about this at all. Especially since you don't want it. It's just cruel. He's lucky you are even playing by the book and filed a response (not that NOT playing by it would help anything - maybe just delay a little bit).
I expect ya'll will haggle over the grounds for a bit. Expect him to say the grounds are that you have been separated for more than year. That's generic. But you absolutely can respond (as you have) and then have that issue go before a judge too. Just remember, time is money.
