Was able to find a workaround to get the Google Experience Launcher without rooting the Nexus 7:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/11...-apk-download/
I used the 2nd method with the APK Installer app and am not getting any of the keyboard bugs or off center search boxes like the article says they got.
edit: so far only downside is no widgets with Google Experience, but I believe that is the case for nexus 5. but now I got transparent bars and Google Now integration