The text interface primarily has simplicity on its side. The goal was to implement a set of commands with a small footprint. HTTP would have provided "too much" for me to worry about in terms of designing the commands. However, HTTP2 was considered at one point, but it proved to be "too much" at the time.
From my own experience, the text commands are easier to test against, especially its boundaries (inputs to the server) which makes client development significantly easier.
From my own experience, the text commands are easier to test against, especially its boundaries (inputs to the server) which makes client development significantly easier.