I'm not quite sure I understand your problem.

As for the not becoming lucid part, it's really just a matter of practice. You have great dream recall, you say? Great, then you're already half-way there. Try to improve your awareness in waking life. Question your surroundings. Once you get good at this, you'll start realizing that in contrast to dreaming experience, waking experience is just as surreal. Once you start feeling this, lucidity will arise.

Also, try to to WBTBs every night. If you have problems waking up in the middle of the night, set and alarm to go off 5-6 hours after you go to bed. Get out of your bed, get some water, go back to sleep while telling yourself that you'll have a lucid dream.

Hope that helps!

Good luck!