Argon gas is totally inert for all practical purposes. It, along with Nitrogen are virtually ideal for storage, but Nitrogen is less costly.
All inert gases are suffocants, that is they can cause loss of consciousness and death in confined areas. They must be used with caution. Butane and Propane are flammable gases and also form explosive mixtures with air. As such, I restrict use of them in case of a static spark which could start a fire.
Use any of these you wish, but being a chemist, I prefer Nitrogen. Kodak has suggested this for years.
PE
I think its a case of whats available cheaply in the locality.
In the UK, Nitrogen cylinders are typically the 5 foot high jobs, and they have to be rented, and refilled by the company supplying them (Health and Safety regs in the UK) Its not worthwhile renting for personal use.
The small tanks of argon or argon/CO2 welding blends can be bought in high street tool stores or motor spares shops here, so its a sensible option.
Me personally, I think Butane cigarette lighter refills (The ones that come as aerosols) are good enough. I feel the fire risk is not significant, but thats my POV (I've worked in and formulated products in an Aerosol plant) and I understand yours entirely.
I suppose the other answer to the question, however, is to encourage the use of numerous rolls of E6, then developing them all before the chems oxidise!
I'm sure if Ektachrome was being used, Kodak would support this without complaint!