[mixedbit]

IMO the biggest benefit of REST vs RPC is reduced coupling between the client and the server. With RPC client needs to be explicitly aware of all methods and parameters that the server supports. With well designed REST interface this is not the case, you can have a generic client that does not need to be explicitly coded to support the specific service. REST interfaces are more difficult to design than RPC interfaces, but they are also more elegant and simpler. Roy Fielding (REST father) argues that elegant and simpler != easier.

[politician]

Rich Hickey (Clojure) has a presentation about the differences between simple and easy. If you have the time, it's worth it.

http://www.infoq.com/presentations/Simple-Made-Easy