High Pixel count P&Ss

can someone explain to me what the point is of having a p&s with say, an ability to capture a 16M file.

Many better DSLRs files are smaller but we know the image quality is much better. What is the point of turning out Small cameras with huge files that are not very good. My brother is after a p&s to copy and reproduce his art works, he doesn't need to print any bigger than 10 x 8. He asked me what to buy and I have no idea and even though a pro, am baffled by the different specs of the p&s market.

Why do these small cameras have big pixel counts if the quality is still not very good and not matching a DSLR?

Jules