I do think this is great progress. And I also agree that the dream probably kept going on for a while, and to access the dream memories trancework or 'remembering on your next dream' is the way to go.
Something to note: When we dream, our brainwaves are in alpha/theta or delta. (yes, we even dream in deep sleep, but rarely ever remember them, because we usually don't wake up right after them.) We usually remember the dreams we have while in REM, which happens at the end of the cycle, and it is then when we become aware- we 'wake up' in the dream because we're in REM, which is a high Alpha- close to waking consciousness. So it's wonderful that you were able to analyze the quality of your consciousness while asleep and dreaming. Good job.