File to amend answer and counterclaim?

Citibank filed a case against me when I was about to go out of town. I had to filed a simple answer that I don't know enough yet to say if I am guilty of their allegations. I didn't sign up for and research this site until after. It has been almost 6 months, and a Status Conference is a little more than 6 months away. I have now seen the examples and documents of how to fight Citibank. I have asked the opposing side for a stipulation for an amended answer but got no reply. Would it be likely the California commissioner would grant me an amended answer and counterclaim at this point? Nothing has been done since the Status Conference and Hearing date have been set. This commissioner has been on my parents' small claims case and has not been great. I was wondering if I can ask for an alternative judge as a defendant (I would probably want to do that first). I have already encountered a few corrupt commissioners and judges in this superior court through the small claims process.

The Citibank documents are great but especially the parts cut and taken from Citibank's own literature, it is not readable. I was wondering where we can copy from something that is easier to read.