Do you use monopolies?

I hear that monopolies aren't a good use of your company charters. But... like... I like prestige goods. I really like making sure that all of my buildings of the appropriate type will produce prestige goods. (Plus the construction company just directly pays the government its dividends. Which is kinda kick ass. And since it personally enriches myself, as the government, I will happily grant- did I just discover politics?)

Of course, the game's pretty easy, so hardly need to play optimally. Especially given that there's no defined "win" state.

But I'm still interested if you use monopolies or not.