Hee! I know that in the text Dawn seems specifically excluded and that Xander's discussion of how she isn't real could just be exposition. But I'm wondering if it isn't also there as a clue.

I should add one other thing. I really liked is Willow's line at her entrance. That Giles reappearance moment was one of my favorite scenes ever in the series and I like the way it brings the issue full circle.