Well, it i am getting some mixed news here, don't really know what to expect. But the emeralds will probably be worth more. Where did you get your info from, if i may ask?
Monk will still be better then a barb, i am confident with 10-20 mil investment in weapons, monks will be able to run at least mp3 without this "exploit".
I am already working on my weapon / skill builds for that matter.