You pretty well sum up my experience with monks. They have a hard time killing you but can be a major annoyance.

Yet are they worse than assassins? Seriously: Stealth, hide everywhere, see anything (mark), various very useful utility (vanish, darts, etc.), strong defense, reliable maledict/weapon drop (kans/kot, nerve, caltraps), high damage output with minimal gear, kicks, extreme lag moves available by mid ranks (throw, ground control--also simultaneous high damage output), trance.. oh.and don't forget assassinate.

Both sure seem like they could use some changes to balance things out, make them a bit more utility/niche and less offensive.