Verizon says (and Google confirms) that Android updates will not be delayed by Verizon. That's good news, as there seem to be some conveniences for me to buy via Verizon, rather than get one direct from Google.
Just a matter now of deciding when. (And, since my wife has the same model Moto X as I do, but some months older, who.)
Update: Verizon says its Pixels will get updates at the same time as Google’s
Verizon apparently has turned over a new leaf and “won’t stand in the way of updates.”