[robzhu]

You might want to check out GraphQL: http://graphql.org/. One of its killer features is the ability for clients to specify exactly the data it needs and obtain it in a single request/response.

[EuAndreh]

Also checkout David Nolen's "Clients in Control"[0]. He approaches specifically those points mentioned, and pilfers ideas from Relay and Falcor.

[0]: http://www.datomic.com/videos.html