I think I have pretty similar views. I don't think the actual reality check itself is as important as asking the question. So yes, in many cases I used a reality check and then BAM I was lucid. But most of the time, I realize it first and then use a reality check to either confirm it, or to increase realism. Getting into the habit of doing reality checks is really more about you literally questioning what reality is. If you are 100% confident at all times that you are in real life, then your dream self has no reason to ever question that this is not real life. Even when faced with ridiculously comical scenarios that would never be possible in waking reality. When your brain shifts to accept the possibility of being in a dream, your dream self can sort of wake up in a way and start to do it on its own.