Helf vs Human, Pure vs Split

[Iaga]

Thanks to the exp stones, i'm looking to do a quick TR on my monk. He was a pure WF dark path on his first life [didn't enjoy that but i suspect it was because he had no ToD rings, no DR breakers, no epic gear] and is currently a 12F/8M dwarf tactics build [2nd life, ToD rings, alchemical wraps, epic items] and is much more effective.

Race
Helf is a good option largely due to rogue dilly. 6AP for an extra 3d6 makes for better DPS.
Human is a good option due to the extra feat and potential for solid HA [6 extra AP from not picking up rogue dilly]. TWF, ITWF, GTWF, PA, Dodge, Toughness, Stunning Fist, Stunning Blow, Imp Sunder, IC bludg + human would pick up a second toughness feat for 22 more HP?

I enjoy playing builds that are more defensive in nature. I'd rather be a raid tank than one of the back side DPSers - safe to say an earth stance human would be a better option?

Pure vs Split
My godhand build with haste boost 4 and power surge does good damage - but - his damage mitigation isn't as good as i'd like [i usually play FVS or WF construct capable casters]

Gm earth stance and capstone DR should make a big difference in survivability, which is what i prefer.

Would a pure human dark path monk be significantly behind damage wise compared to a kensai/monk split?

Pretty sure i'm looking at a pure dark path human build for my play style, but as i'm new to melee i want to see if i'm missing anything in my thinking.

Thanks

[Habreno]

If you *have* DR breakers a Human (or even Dwarf for HP) pure 20 Dark Monk would work wonders.

[RabidApathy]

In your feat list, I don't see the active monk pastlife feat. A die step will pretty much equate to ~2 damage a hit (and yes it stacks with a die step from items), which I think is more useful than a second toughness.

[Iaga]

heh. Over sight on my part.

I had the 10 feats and then couldn't remember what the 11th would be.

PL Monk > 2nd toughness - agreed.

Human dark = tank

Helf rogue dilly = DPS

Anything light = utility