node < 18 is no longer maintained, and will EOL soon.
see https://github.com/nodejs/release#release-schedule
see https://nodejs.org/en/about/previous-releases

lets drop support for node < v20.18 (last release in active state)

idea:

• Support node versions greater equal last active release -- so that all implemented features are included, and maintenance releases are compatible
• and so on

(this might enable more up-to-date developer experience, and updates in some [dev-]dependencies)