```ts
/**
 * Flattens a nested array up to a specified depth.
 * @param items - The array to flatten.
 * @param depth - The maximum depth to flatten. Defaults to Infinity.
 * @returns A new flattened array.
 */
export function flatten(items: readonly unknown[], depth: number = Infinity): unknown[] {
  if (depth < 0) throw new Error("Depth must be a non-negative integer or Infinity.");

  return items.reduce((acc, val) => {
    if (Array.isArray(val) && depth > 0) {
      acc.push(...flatten(val, depth - 1));
    } else if (typeof val !== 'string') {
      acc.push(val);
    }
    return acc;
  }, [] as unknown[]);
}
```