Defendant continues to request trial by the court and months have gone by

Hello l:

In my state, the plaintiff requests a trial date... But, in small claims, the court sets it, and it should happen fast. I'd pay a visit to the clerk. Your case may have fallen through the cracks...

excon

Arbitration unless mandatory where they arbitrator finally rules if no agreement is met, does not have to be agreed to,

So if the judge ordered it to start with, go back to court and file for a new hearing ,

So much depends on contract clauses to arbitration, court orders for it, and more.
Just not enough info to really know where you are at with this