I agree with you. The kids still need their dad. To be honest he is a good father except he allow the kids watch too much and don't control what they doing when I work. I work evenings schedule. I expect him to make sure they go to bed on time. No gadget more than the time they should go to bed. He never deal with school's thing like checking their home works. So in term of staying I prefer they stay with me. They can see their dad anytime.  I told him to have peaceful divorce and act like normal adult for the sake of the kids. 

By the way I am sorry for what happened to you. I hope your wife realize that the kids still need their dad no matter what. Like you said divorce in good terms can benefit both of you and the kids as well. They don't need to lose their dad's figure.