REST like any architectural style is very much about managing the complexity that won't go away. It's a massive irony that system like the Web, but oftent frowned upon by architects, is so well articulated in its architecture, whereas the WS-* and previous EAI technologies that are used by architects have precious little to say about their overall effect. The important thing about REST is not that it's better or worse than SOAP/WS-* - the important is that REST is architecture turned up to 11, done right, not like the self-indulgence that neccesitated Agile.