QUARTERSTAFF STRIKES

AoE passive nodes and effects plus melee range passive nodes do not effect Quarterstaff strikes, is this an intended mechanic?

i have gone monk working on purely base attacks, the only thing holding this build back is the lack of attack range, hitting nodes to boost it has made no difference.

Can anyone verify this?

The intended behaviour is AoE and melee range modifiers affect quarterstaff strikes (and strikes in general). I can't check if this actaully the case.