Solo PVE Non-Monk build

Has anyone had any sucess soloing (or with just henchies) through the storyline with any build that did not include monk. Ive played around with a number of different class combos such as E/N, R/W, N/W, but the general word of advice ive heard so far is that if I plan to solo I should have a monk primary or secondary.

Soloing can be easier at times with a monk, but I did most of the single-player campaign solo with henchies with a Mes/Ele. Two good AoEs (Fire Storm and Chaos Storm), Backfire, Empathy, interrupts, energy drains, Flare for extra spike damage, Hex Breaker for areas with mobs that hex a lot, a self heal available if needed... It's fun with that guy to hear people complain about hydras and then go out into the desert and put them down without ever taking any damage

The only time I can think of where I really wished I had monk primary or secondary was Thunderhead Keep at times.