Simplify `fetch()` and `fetch_items()` in the backends
Fixes #527
I trying an attempt to solve this issue. I picked the Gitter backend to get started and see get some feedback on the changes. I will be working on rest of the backends one by one. I am sure this is going to be a huge PR, so I will take some time and add a backend each time allowing time for reviewing.
Let me know if you have any suggestions.
I saw two weeks ago some code to change this problem but I don't see it now. Any issues with it? Is there any way I can help?
I am taking a stab at this again, will fix the linting issues and remove the changes to tests.
@sduenas, could you please take a chance to review this approach? What do you think, let me know if you have any suggestions.