Yeah, that's it JPG! And I also think that Dawn is very special for Ash.
I've notice the lack of anyone making any kind of couple reference too. It seems ironic, don't ya think? With Dawn being almost the same person as Ash, and being the most feminin girl with a wonderful-romantic- friendship with Ash...Well, for me, it's not proposital, it's some meaning, and I think it happens because they're so special that THEY will notice the love they feel for each other, and they don't need anyone to do that, but if anyone does that, I think they will not disagree, unlike Ash did with Misty and May, but that's just me.