Why are there so many numbered tokens? I get 8-10 total and that there are some swarms and such but am I missing why someone should need more?

Some people like to play more than 100pts.

Also they need to use up as much of the space on each board as possible so nothing goes to waste. Little number tokens are easy. And people have different favorite numbers, so putting out a lot of numbers never hurts. Your ships can be 23 and 76 if you want, instead of 1-9 or something.

I haven't seen this idea thrown out before, but I suppose you could give one of the numbers to an upgrade like expose or an astromech and then place the number by your ship like any other token to symbolize that you used that upgrade for you ability that turn.

Also lets you do things like use the number of the pilots initiative and a 2 digit number for multiples like 11 21 31 41 for Academy Pilots

I play big scenario games with squadrons of ships.

And it is a benefit for players with only a select few ships — they will get numbers and different ones with each expansion they buy, whichever ones they buy.