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I've been looking around for arguments/ discussions about the pros and cons of Storm Bolters versus Bolters for Inquisitorial Acolytes, but I've failed to find anything definitive or up to date.

From what I can tell you're paying 200% more for the Storm Bolter in exchange for 100% more shots at the 12"-24" range and the ability to charge after firing (which seems counter-intuitive, being better at range and yet allowing you to charge)

For Acolytes that will most likely be rushed into the enemy's deployment zone ASAP (most likely in transports), what would be better in your opinion and why?

This isn't a question for a vacuum. What else is in the squad? Plasma gun Acolytes? Crusaders? Death Cult Assassins? What else is there? Because if a single Bolter fires from that squad, that squad can't assault, so if you want to make an assault based unit jumping out of a Land Raider with assassins and still have some shooty, them a Storm Bolter is the way to go. If you have Plasma Guns and Jokaero and other various Heavy and Rapid Fire weapons, then a Bolter and saved points might be simpler.

I have a squad of 7 basic Acolytes all with Bolters, and another squad with two Melta Guns, six Storm Bolters and a couple Melta Bombs to jump out of a Valkyrie and blow something up in Assault. It all depends on what you want the squad to do and what it is meant to hit once out of the transport.

They're basically going to be distraction units, on their own. Just acolytes with either bolters or storm bolters.

Basically speed-bumps, objective takers and distractions.

By your on definition I would say bolters.

Speedbumps and distractions shouldn't be expensive.

Also, 5 points rounds off nicely.

For speed-bumps and distractions the cheaper the better. So bolters would probably be better.

For objective takers it depends on if they are going after objectives that they will actually have to take. If they need to take the objective from an enemy then they will probably need to charge the opponent to do so or they will need some serious firepower. Thus I would go with 3x flamers, a couple crusaders, and/or a psyker (psychic shriek is boss).

Storm bolters are usually best in a drive by sort of unit which harasses the opponent from cover (usually supporting an army that opponents want to close with). They could be pretty decent in maelstorm games but you will need some serious anti tank to support them.

I was always a fan of the 5 acolytes in a chimera with storm bolters. you are talking about a unit that never has to close more than 24" from its target to be effective. The Inq has access to the old Chimera with its 5 firing points, yes?

People always seem to overlook range as a safety factor. Yes, thunderhammers are scary, but when you can engage them for 2-3 turns before you can be engaged by them, assuming you are standing still, and who would do that?

The only problem with that build is finding storm bolters to mount on your models. or at least it was, before the plastic PAGK kit was released.