You're right that in theory a REST api could also be a PITA to use. In my experience though I've always been able to get the query I wanted quickly and easily.

You're right that in theory a REST api could also be a PITA to use. In my experience though I've always been able to get the query I wanted quickly and easily. To be fair it's rare that I'm doing anything that isn't a GET but on the occasions where I have wanted perform an update It hasn't resulted in any of the difficulties you mention.