Quote Originally Posted by Nifft View Post
Elemental spells strictly as actions is actually part of the problem.

Giving spell slots allows the inclusion of effects like Absorb Elements (from the EEPC), which is a Reaction, and the benefit of which a Monk would be uniquely well-suited to capitalize upon.

But there might need to be a limit on how often the Monk can capitalize upon Absorb Elements, and oh hey spell slots provide a handy resource limit.
Monks have valuable actions, bonus actions, and even reactions already. Why Absorb Elements (the exact spell) instead of Deflect Missiles (something in that style). Maybe when you successfully evasion, you can spend Ki as a reaction to divert the effect/saving throw onto a nearby enemy. You could look at agile parry, where you act a certain way to gain a temporary benefit. If effects were added to the Dodge, Dash, Disengage, and/or unarmed strike with your attack action, they could easily fit in the gap of free abilities still below flurry or stunning strike in power. I'm picturing an earth Dodge that reduces the damage you take, an air Dash that is somehow distinct from step of the wind where you can push other creatures, a water Disengage that covers your retreat with difficult terrain, and fire strikes that are just a rebalanced fangs of the fire snake, sorry.