Found a much better root guide for (Verizon) S5 already on Lollipop 5.0
http://forum.xda-developers.com/veri...5-ok3-t3290370
It's a tough follow if you're not familiar with all the concepts as the author and many other posters make too many assumptions about people's skills and some steps are vague.
However, I was able to get my new S5 rooted last week without bricking it, and I just finished phase 2 to install a DEODEXED stock ROM so I can get Xposed Framework working again for some apps and features I needed.
It may have helped that I already had some full version apps like Ti backup that can freeze knox, etc. I did not use the guide's knox remover the first time, but the ROM I just installed was knox free so it's gone for now. I did pay for the SuperSU Me app that removes the Kingroot bloatware, but probably could have killed him with a Ti freeze or killed kingroot with one of my other apps. I'm willing to pay for convenience and stability.
I decided to finally replace my aging and cracked (rooted) S4 only to discover my maintenance plan had a $99 deductible (fukn corporate comms guy fucked me over on that) VZW had a special $0 upgrade to S5 I was eligible for and since my requirements include a removable battery and microsd slot, that was the only logical choice. Knowing with 99% certainty I could root it, I pulled the trigger. Happy so far.