I would have to say all of the above. Most of my dreams these days i become aware with no checks its like im tossed into a movie i dont want to be in so i do what i want to do. Im still thinking about this one but i think the reality checks are part of the early stages of lucid awarness. I dont really catch my self doing reality checks people talk about now. Maybe i do but im so use to it it feels natural. Its like you just know the difference. I do recall dreams when i look for wierd things before i was aware of a lucid dream. good question you have me thinking