I've found that my monk has a surprisingly high DPS for a fighter. Still not as high as the other DPS classes, but with a speed attack buff, I can quickly launch 9 different attacks in a matter of seconds.
Keep in mind that the monk armor is not plate, so they can't stnad a beating like other tanks. However we depend on a higher avoidance to just not get hit.
I particulary like the animations of the Monk martial arts. Kicks, punches, and special moves are much more fun to watch and execute.