MoMS Wildcard Feat

[Moonheart]

I've been reading many things about Monk's builds, and especially how the Master of Many Style was changed at some point to prevent people to abuse it by only taking it as a level 1 dip.

However, no matter how much I read about this new version of he archetype, there is something I never saw spoken about: The fact the it relies on the Wilcard Feats, that can be changed as a swift action every round (even twice in the round with the right feats), allowing this new MoMS to switch styles on the flow, according to the battle stituation.

I can understand that building a single combo of styles and optimizing it probably gives great results if used right, but it makes the MoMS a one trick pony when it seems it can be now much more.

So... let's discuss it.

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Assuming a non-multiclassed Master of Many Styles monk, that we would build with the goal to be able to switch styles to match his current immediate need every round (ranged DPS, close quarter DPs, off-tanking, ally assist...), what styles would you pick?

Personnaly, I'm thinking about letting Snake Style always on (AC scaling with level is just so neat), and probably Ascetic Style on the majority of situations (this add another layer of flexibility by being able to switch qualities of the monk's attacks, like suddenly grabbing a Kyoketsu Shoge to gain a 20ft reach while keeping unarmed benefits)

Then, starting at level 8, switching the last or two last styles according to the situation, wildcarding them to gain the syles chain benefits.

I'd pick probably Crane style for tanking, Dragon/Marid for melee DPS, Ascetic/Dragon for ranged DPS, Archon for assiting allies... those are starting ideas.

[avr]

The current MoMS has 3/4 BAB with no accuracy boost from levels 1-7, poor AC, average damage at best and not a lot of HP. Before looking at the styles themselves that is. Also remember that they do need the prereqs to use those wildcard feats; each weapon they want to use with ascetic style needs a weapon focus feat which largely kills that idea. It may seem odd but feat starvation is a problem for them.

Edit: it might actually be worth taking a level dip in brawler or similar if you do want to use ascetic style with multiple weapons.

Snake style is a start at an answer to the AC at least. Dragon style to improve mobility and damage would be next. I'd also want something which has a use for more than combat e.g. owl style. It'd be better on a full BAB character but should still be useful IMO; charging with stealth may sometimes help the so-so attack below 8th level.

Putting that together,
Human or half-elf: Skill focus (stealth)
1: Owl style
Monk 1: IUS, stunning fist, snake style
Monk 2: Dragon style
3: Power attack
Qinggong 4: Barkskin
5: Combat style master
Qinggong 5: Scorching ray
Monk 6: (Wildcard 1)
7: Hellcat stealth
9: Lunge
Monk 10: (Wildcard 2)

Edit 2: If going for ascetic style I'd take brawler at 1st level, drop owl style & skill focus, and probably get power attack and combat reflexes early.

[Moonheart]

You don't need weapon focus for each of the weapons you use, since ascetic style has a special condition who say: "A 5th-level monk or character with the weapon training (monk) class feature can use Ascetic Style with any monk weapon, in addition to the chosen melee weapon."
Basically, one weapon focus and Ascetic Style give a level 5 monk his unarmed benefits on all the monk weapon group.

Also, using Ascetic Style with a Kyoketsu Shoge is a lot more efficient than taking Lunge. That's 10ft of extra range, and you don't take penalities to AC for using it.

Owl Style is an intriguing idea here, but I don't truly see the benefit of taking it instead of putting points into Stealth... can you explain me?

And alas, while it could be a good monk to play, yours do not fit the theme of using wildcards feats to change styles according to the battle situation.