Web service: RPC vs. RESTful = CISC vs. RISC?

Question

I read some discussions about RPC style and RESTful web services.

So far I have the following 2 thoughts:

1. The argue between RPC and REST seems kind of similar to the argue between CISC and RISC instruction architecture. RPC looks forward to using a more complex vocabulary while REST just use a few common verbs.

2. The REST style just introduce the HTTP protocol as the middle-layer between client and server in the hope to decouple the 2 parties. Just like David Wheeler said:

   All problems in computer science can be solved by another level of indirection, except of course for the problem of too many indirections.

So:

1. Are these 2 thoughts valid?

2. What are the most appropriate scenarios for these 2 styles, respectively?