Coming back. Have about 10k. Suggest some kunark armor for the monk.

[Messianic]

AC is (mostly) king.

Ditch the plat ruby veil (unless you're raiding or not tanking at all) and go with a Targishin's Bone Mask. Glowing Bone Collar is a cheap upgrade for your neck. If you're willing to farm for it, Necklace of Defiance from FM is 3 more raw ac.

I'd generally go higher AC on your bracers than granite (again, unless you're raiding). If you're human, Hero Bracer + something else.

I soloed on live through my late 50s as a monk and I found AC to be by far the most effective stat for pure efficiency.