I wanted non-isolating headphones so I can hear if my baby is crying at home, and so I can hear without taking them off if someone at home or work starts a conversation with me. And I wanted them to be inexpensive in case my cat chews the cord (which fortunately has not happened yet), or if the cord gets snagged while I'm walking, or I lose them, etc. And I wanted them to sound good enough that their audio performance does not annoy me while listening to them. The VE Monk Plus meets all three of these requirements, and I have used them a lot as a result.
My only complaint is that the replaceable foam covers wear out and occasionally rip, and I would prefer more durability. I know that I could use them bare or use one of the rubber covers for more durability, but I like the fit and feel with the foam covers. It would be great if there was something that gave a positive fit and feel like I get with the foam, but was more durable. Perhaps that is unreasonable, but the world is full of incredible things that were once inconceivable or thought to be impossible.