My point of view he could be doing this due to your views and your expectations, which are yours alone not everyone else's. I wouldn't be happy with 45mins contact, I wouldn't expect them to stay away from mother at that age but that's short isn't it?
And yes a lot of fathers put no effort in at all but others do and want to be in their lives. I'm having to go through court myself as I've been refused contact for months, not even a phone call after I've been a stay at home dad nearly ten years.
So, as in the case of my wife, she hasn't thought this through but does not want to share at all, they are a possession and I'm supposed to just walk away and forget them, not a chance. Mine involves DA as well and they are isolated with her, so damn right I'm going for residency.
My view is my actions are valid and necessary for my children, just like any mother would all based off her previous and current behavior. He may not be perfect but it could very well be the same, considering what you've said so far.
You also need to bear in mind your child isn't going to be that age forever and as they grow older, more contact will be sought and granted.
I think just like my wife, you need to look at things outside your own perspective because the world don't work that way.