Monk with STR+Tavernbrawler instead of WIS: Viable?

[ApathicAlpaca]

So I noticed something that looks like a bug but maybe isn't: Tavern Brawler works on monk although the class passives specifically state that it uses DEX instead of STR modifier for monk weapons + unarmed combat.
What Brawler does is it adds full STR modifier but only once. So at 18 STR you get +4 to rolls and damage, which is HUGE when combined with your natural DEX stats.

So I was thinking: Monk with heavy STR+DEX but 8 WIS. Does it work?
Neither CON nor PRO:
+/- no WIS armor bonus (but you can wear armor for that)
+/- not good for WIS checks like perception BUT good for STR checks instead
+/- No caster bonus to spells. But I play Way of Open Hand and will hardly ever use spells.

CON:
- No bonuses from wearing no armor & shield. This is the decisive disadvantage I believe, it means less mobility especially
- A feat invested into brawler instead of, say, dual wielder or ability score

PRO:
- hilarious +4/4 bonus to damage and (more importantly) attack rolls ON TOP of your natural DEX bonuses. Particularly nasty with the subclass 'Way of the Open Hand' with its multitude of attacks each turn (4 hits = +16 damage just from brawler plus insane hit chance)
- Can jump just as well as with WIS since STR increases jump distance


Not sure to be honest, can somebody advise?
If brawler working (albeit with just 1 time the bonuses) on monk is a bug, I won't play it.
If it's intended: whatcha think?

[yuzhonglu]

Just make a throw barb. If you want monk, start with barb so your armor scales off Con and Dex.

[pascal.difolco]

Seems it can work well
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0g8UrgQQRo

[[OTS]EchoZenLogos]

It could work, but you'll suffer from significantly less defensive stats unless you give up all of your benefits of being unarmored - which is basically half of the benefits of the class.

If you build it right though, it has a lot of potential for damage.

[Curath]

If you want to metagame a bit, you can purchase 18 DEX gloves if going mountain pass route. Dump dex on respec, get STR + whatever you prefer, and wear the gloves for the rest of the game. Decent enough defensively and Tavern Brawler is a huge damage boost.

[pascal.difolco]

There's a 18DEX item somewhere in Act1, then you can use/abuse Auntie's STR potions too, making this a pretty powerful build

[ApathicAlpaca]

Good point, yeah, just remembered those gloves. Will do that, thanks guys.