We had "kung-fu" monks in our campaign. We also had "monastary" monks that walked into fights with stern fists (easier in earlier editions without special effect abilities), we even had "psychic" monks.I just think monks in D&D are cool. They're fun to play, have neat abilities, and represent a cool archetype. I don't have a problem with their being adapted to a specific setting, if they do a good job. It would sadden me if they were pulled from the game.
I agree they are easily adaptable to a setting.