Monkeying around - Iksar vs Human

[Tethelin]

I’ve been working on two monks, one level 20 Iksar and one level 22 human and I’m about ready to roll with one over the other.. For those who have played a monk to higher levels can you tell me if Iksar is really THAT much better of an option?

I can tell the Iksar regen is nicer and the AC boost helps but I’m having a hard time getting past the faction issue and exp penalty.

If the faction/exp penalty annoys me too much am I going to be way worse off in later levels if I roll with the human over Iksar?

If Iksar is the be all end all, any tips for getting around safely are appreciated.