Kudasai, kure, morau... When to use them?

[Supaiku]

Hi! I've been taking Japanese for a few years now, so I guess you could call me "intermediate". I'm studying abroad in Japan in about 6 weeks now, and I'd like to iron out a few things I've had trouble understanding before I go.

I've always had trouble with when to use kudasai, kure, and morau. I know they're all a type of "please" word, but I have trouble with the psychology behind them. My teacher offered an explanation for them and I thought I understood, but I guess I don't, as it still bothers me. Hahaha
If someone could help me with these words, I'd really appreciate the help.

[LordOfTheFlies]

Read up on Tae Kim's pages on favors and requests. It's a difficult topic and I think he can explain it better than I would

http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/grammar/favors
http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/grammar/requests

[Retsubty]

くれ is a casual command with the "for me" nuance. 頑張ってくれ！ hang in there (for me)! 行かないでくれ！ don't go (for my sake)

もらう is when the subject is having an object(person) do something for him/her 死んでもらおう　I shall have you die 出てもらおう I shall have them leave (this vicinity etc) 返してもらう！ You will return them to me! (I will have you return them to me!)

ください is formal and ammounts to "please"
頑張ってください please hang in there 食べてください please eat it etc

[furrykef]

ください is formal and ammounts to "please"
頑張ってください please hang in there 食べてください please eat it etc

But on a more literal level, ください is just the imperative of くださる, which is sonkeigo for くれる. Hence, ください and くれ are fully equivalent except for the level of politeness.