Thank you for your comprehensive and detailed responses to the reviewer comments. The responses, in my opinion, sufficiently address the concerns of the reviewer. Importantly, especially from the perspective of GMD, you note that this paper provides details on the updated methodology for parameter estimation that you utilized to isolate the impact of model changes. This type of model documentation and assessment work is consistent with what is appropriate for publication in GMD. As you note, "We are aware that other approaches exist and have avoided stating that our parameter estimation methodology is better." Subsequent papers will be able to address the question of the optimum methodology (if it can be determined). So, in summary, based on my reading of the revised paper and the response to reviewers, I find the paper acceptable for publication in its current form.