i think some of us are going to have to agree to disagree. i have had dreams that have changed my life and were imo most definitely a reflection of my underlying feelings. i feel like this is why different people have very similar dreams when they are in similar situations.

best example i can think of is when people feel helpless in their waking life they will have dreams where they cannot not speak, or a dream that they are in a fight where they cannot summon any strength to defend themselves. ive had both and i know others who have.

if anything i think its probably both, they are there to preoccupy us during sleep, but also contain meaning. something influences or causes your brain processes to present what is in your dreams, i doubt it is randomness.