The longer I am on lantus the more I am finding out the same thing that happened with you.
Though I ahve never experienced dawn pehnomena to an extent, I ahve had the 3 am drop outs. Often down into the 30s.

I ahve noticed since I stopped Actos and Zetia I seem to be more even. almost at a consistent level.
Not much ahs been shown on teh protein exchange effect. Though its facinating reading. MAny researchers say that its ebcaus eo fteh eed fo protein metabolism and teh release and use of glycogens from within the entire system that dawn can happen.
Now four reaearchers can agree on it, but what every does say it happens and each persons body creates it.

I fond that dawn headaches are worse. LIke when you sleep too much have a great effect on my own Bgs.

But you just proved what I have been thinking abotu the lantus.. I am thinking abotu switching to Nph 70//30 mix forbetter control than the lantus.