It is not as if though, when considering balance, additional situational abilities and bonuses do not count. They get a great deal, so in out and out front on fighting, yeah, they take some penalties compared to some other classes. You don't see fighters or rogues getting diamond body. The monk gets it because they are a monk, they should not have it and get the fighter hit die/bab and the rogue skills.
The jump to base speed is incredibly strong, very useful but not in duke it out fighting. Use it wisely and it can save your bacon.
If you want better bab, mix it with something like fighter/pal/swashbuckler/samurai/knight. The cost is slower monk ability progression, the piper must be paid.