So, I'm confused at how being strong and telling her what I want and how it's going to go down is going to do anything more than piss her off and completely change her stance of not pursuing my 401(k), IRA and property.
What is your option, if not being strong? Do you not realize that being a weakling and mealymouthed will only make her actions worse? If you think it's bad now....just become a scared little man and see what she does. I understand your concern about financial security, but don't trade it off for a miserable life. You can't live in fear of pissing her off. And...you don't want her to know you are afraid of making her mad and what she may do.
Get the legal facts regarding D fathers in your state and what you can do to protect yourself financially.
It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!