To my point about the general perception of monks, I thought it would be interesting to ask Chat-GPT, given that it crafts its responses from parsing a vast array of feedback:
Question: "what character class is generally considered the weakest in D&D5e?"
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), there isn't a universally agreed-upon "weakest" character class because a lot depends on the specific campaign, the player's creativity, and how the Dungeon Master runs the game. However, some players and experts have varying opinions on which classes might be considered weaker in certain situations or under certain assumptions.
It's important to note that D&D 5e is designed to be relatively well-balanced, and every class has its strengths and weaknesses. What might be considered weak in one campaign or group could be incredibly powerful in another. Balance can also be affected by the choice of subclasses and feats, so character optimization can make a significant difference.
That said, if you're looking for classes that some players consider less versatile or weaker in certain aspects, the Monk and Beast Master Ranger are sometimes mentioned. Monks can have relatively low damage output compared to other melee classes, and Beast Master Rangers have had a reputation for being underpowered in terms of combat effectiveness, although there have been attempts to address this with optional rules and subclasses in later sourcebooks.
Ultimately, the perceived strength or weakness of a class can vary greatly based on individual playstyle, campaign setting, and house rules. It's often more important to choose a class that fits your preferred playstyle and character concept rather than worrying too much about perceived power levels. D&D is a role-playing game, and the fun and enjoyment of the players and the story should take precedence over class balance concerns.