I don't have a problem with the Jedi being monastic. The only thing it seems to be inconsistent with is the EU.
Sure, it may not have been the plan all along, but it's one of the few things from the prequels that fits the portrayals of Obi-Wan and Yoda in the OT as these hermits that forgo all materialism. It's very Christ and Buddha like, which were obvious influences on Lucas.
"A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind."