Why are there so many pins on a SATA power connector?

"Here's the SATA data & power pinouts.

Remember, SATA is a serial bus. This means data transfer only needs two paths -- TX (transmit) and RX (receive). In the case of SATA, there are actually two pins for each (a TX+ and TX-, and a RX+ and RX-); this is called twisted pair and (just like in twisted pair Ethernet) allows for longer wire runs with less noise from other wires. The other data pins are for ground, which also assist with noise elimination. So SATA doesn't need more data pins.

Power, on the other hand, supplies 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, and ground. Not to mention extra pins (not present in all connectors) for hotplugging, activity indication, and staggered spinup. As to why so many? Wikipedia again:

Each voltage transmits through three pins ganged together, because the small contacts by themselves cannot supply sufficient current for some devices. (Each pin should be able to provide 1.5 A.)"