I think this is a fair point. A torch can be used a simple weapon. A Staff can be used as quarterstaff. It's the same language, but a Magic Staff isn't a Magic Weapon (Magic Item Categories). This came up on an Artificer UA discussion about whether replicating uncommon weapons, for example, allowed for replicating Staves. However, I would be surprised if a DM didn't allow a monk to use a Staff (magical or a spellcasting focus) as a monk weapon. A torch isn't really much different. It seems to be odd to allow a monk to deal Martial Arts Fire damage, but I don't see it as that big a deal and efficient, price strikes as opposed to wild swings is the typical distinction between martial arts and untrained unarmed combat.
Mechanically, Bludgeoning vulnerability is more common than Fire, Bludgeoning resistance is more common than Fire, and Fire Immunity is more common that Bludgeoning.
I haven't got much issue with allowing a Torch to be used by a Monk as a monk weapon. The limiting factor I would impose is that I wouldn't allow a Torch to survive that many hits when used as a weapon (a few probably but certainly not indefinitely).
I understand where you are coming from, but there are no RAW item or weapon durability rules. You can smack a Pit Fiend with your rolled up scrolls and, RAW, they will be none the worse for wear. As such, it will come down to a table-by-table ruling if it applies.
I guess this is debatable, but my interpretation is that you have two options:
You take the Attack action, attack with the Torch using it as a Simple Melee weapon and on a hit the target takes (only) 1 Fire damage. If you have proficiency with a Simple Melee weapon, you add your Proficiency Bonus to the attack roll.
You use your Martial Arts to attack with the Torch, but then you're not using the Torch to make the Fire damage, so I'd rule 1d6+3 Bludgeoning on a hit.
How I would rule this is that it counts as an improvised club that deals an extra 1 fire damage. So it would deal 1d6+3 bludgeoning and 1 fire damage. Most of the damage would come from the beating...with just a little extra from the fiery bits.
This what I would also say is a good interpretation. There won’t be a definitive answer because it’s arbitrary and your DM would have to rule it. But the above is very very solid.
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I understand where you are coming from, but there are no RAW item or weapon durability rules. You can smack a Pit Fiend with your rolled up scrolls and, RAW, they will be none the worse for wear. As such, it will come down to a table-by-table ruling if it applies.
How to add Tooltips.
My houserulings.
This what I would also say is a good interpretation. There won’t be a definitive answer because it’s arbitrary and your DM would have to rule it. But the above is very very solid.