If you want the latest os you have 3 choices.
1. Wait for a official update.
2. Flash a from with the os you want.
3. Buy a phone with the os you want.
Since 1 is dead you have choice 2 or 3.
Rooting and flashing isn't as scary ad it sounds. As long as you can read directions you should be fine. Just know the risks. But even if you choose 3, that phone will lose official support in 1-2 years anyway and your right back where you are now.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2