The gophers might care who filed, in the fullness of time no one else will give a hoot. Most of the time it's really a joint decision, even if both parties don't want to admit it.
In my mind, he doesn't think you will file, so he is more of less trying to manipulate the situation. I think there's no time like the present to put a stop to that.
If it's not what he wants, he can step up after you file as easily as before.
