I disagree. If you know you're dreaming, you can have a lot more fun.
I usually have people and events in my dreams, but the people are always hazy. I can never tell who they are. Sometimes I'll know that it's someone I'm familiar with, but I can never quite make out the identity.
Oh, and I've always been able to fly in my dreams if I jump into the air and pedal my feet like I'm on a bike. Don't ask me why.