I was able to keep root by using voodoo ota root keeper. First install the app prior to updating. Make sure all the boxes are checked. Then temp unroot, install update, reboot phone, open voodoo ota again and select restore root.
Sorry to say but for now you can't root with the new firmware. If you have a unlocked boot loader you may be able to go back to the previous version. Technicality a phone with a unlocked boot loader should be able to change firmware but I wouldn't hold your breath. If your boot loader isn't unlocked I definitely would not attempt it. You could brick. Let me know it there is anything I can do to help. In my Google drive I have all the necessary files to root, unlock bootloader, and I have the previous XML file you need to downgrade. I would double check to confirm my idea. I could be wrong. My bootloader is unlocked so out of all the attempts of me using rsd lite to upgrade/downgrade I was always able to fix my soft bricked xt907.
Did you mean that if your bootloader is UN locked you can only flash moto software. Cause that would be true in both cases unlocked or locked. Of your not unlocked maybe you could go back to ICS, blow the Qfuse to unlock the bootloader, root, and finally update but save root and temp unroot with voodoo ota. Like you said though its your daily phone. Maybe just confirm you can go back before trying it?